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It’s all fun and games until it isn’t. You hand your boat keys to a friend, trusting them because they’ve driven plenty of boats before. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty.

Here’s the reality: In Idaho, liability doesn’t shift just because you’re not the one at the helm. If your friend causes an accident, injures someone, or damages property, you, the boat owner, may still be legally and financially responsible.

Idaho Boat Liability Follows Ownership, Not the Driver

Idaho law, like most state laws, places primary responsibility on the owner of the watercraft. Even if you’re relaxing on the dock while your friend is out on the water, your insurance will likely be involved if something happens.

Many boat and watercraft insurance policies in Idaho don’t automatically extend full liability coverage to every person who might drive your boat. Some policies only cover listed operators or family members. Others may have exclusions or lower liability limits when someone outside your household is operating the vessel.

If your friend isn’t insured and causes serious damage or injury, the financial burden may fall entirely on you.

Real Risk on Idaho’s Busy Lakes

From Lake Coeur d’Alene to the Spokane River, boat traffic in and around Post Falls surges during peak season. This is when people often let friends or visiting relatives “take a quick spin.” In crowded waters, one wrong turn or misjudged wake can lead to collisions, injuries, or worse.

Even if your friend walks away unscathed, you could face a lawsuit, out-of-pocket costs, or a denied claim, depending on the terms of your insurance policy.

The Smart Move? Check Your Coverage First

Before letting anyone else drive your boat, check your liability limits and your policy’s permissive use clause, if it has one. If you’re unsure about what’s covered, don’t guess.

At Infinity Insurance Group, we help boaters in Post Falls, ID, understand the fine print before it becomes a problem. Whether you’re adding a new driver to your policy or simply have questions about your coverage, our team is here to assist.

Contact Infinity Insurance Group today to ensure your boat and your liability are fully protected.